Home / TEF Canada vs TCF Canada writing: which suits you?
TEF Canada vs TCF Canada writing: which suits you?
Updated 2026-10-28
If you need a French test for Canadian immigration, you may be choosing between TEF Canada and TCF Canada. IRCC accepts both. This page compares only their writing sections, using the candidate manual of the TCF and the TEF sample PDF listed under Sources. It does not claim that one is easier than the other, because that depends on the person. Plumepass trains the TCF Canada only and is not affiliated with France Éducation international or the organisers of the TEF.
The writing sections side by side
| TCF Canada | TEF Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Organiser | France Éducation international | Le français des affaires, CCI Paris Île-de-France |
| Total writing time | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Number of tasks | 3 | 2 (sections A and B) |
| First task | Task 1: a message that describes, tells or explains, 60 to 120 words | Section A: continue the start of a short news story (fait divers), at least 80 words, about 25 minutes |
| Second task | Task 2: an article, letter or note with an experience and opinions or arguments, 120 to 150 words | Section B: a letter to a newspaper giving your opinion, at least 200 words, at least 3 arguments, about 35 minutes |
| Third task | Task 3: compare two documents on a social issue and give your opinion, 120 to 180 words | None |
| Word limits | A range for each task (minimum and maximum) | Minimums in the sample (80 and 200 words) |
| Time per task | Not set: you split the 60 minutes | Suggested: about 25 and 35 minutes |
Adding up the stated words: the TCF Canada ranges give 300 words at the minimum and 450 at the maximum across the three tasks; the TEF Canada sample minimums give 280.
For the TCF, texts are marked by two independent, blind FEI examiners who give each task a level from 'A1 non atteint' to C2. For TEF score equivalences, use the IRCC language test equivalency table rather than comparing raw marks.
What may make one feel easier for you
These are questions to ask yourself, not a verdict.
- Do you prefer variety or one long piece? The TCF has three shorter texts of different kinds. The TEF has two, and the second is a longer opinion letter that needs at least three arguments.
- Do you like to plan your own time? The TCF gives you 60 minutes with no split. The TEF sample suggests a split of about 25 and 35 minutes.
- Which is easier to write: a story continuation or a comparison of two views? TEF section A asks you to continue a story. TCF task 3 asks you to compare two documents and give an opinion, which needs reading and paraphrasing.
- Are you worried about the upper word limit? TCF tasks have a maximum as well as a minimum. If you tend to write long, that is a constraint to practise.
A practical way to choose: try one task from each format under a timer and see which one you can finish with a clean, checked text. The TCF formats are in our guides to task 1, task 2 and task 3.
The target level is the same
For Express Entry, the French-language proficiency category requires NCLC 7 or higher in all four language abilities. That is the target whichever test you take, and both are accepted. In TCF Canada writing, NCLC 7 is 10 to 11 out of 20. More on that on the scoring and NCLC page.
Check the current rules. Test formats and requirements can change. Confirm them with the test organiser and IRCC before you book.
If you pick the TCF Canada, try a writing task with a timer: the first grading is free, with no account needed.
Sources
- France Éducation international, Manuel du candidat TCF, version J, septembre 2024
- Le français des affaires (CCI Paris Île-de-France), TEF writing sample PDF
- IRCC, Language testing for Express Entry
- IRCC, Language test equivalency table
- IRCC, Express Entry category-based selection
Try it on a practice task
Write the task with a timer and word count, then get a level estimate, the corrections that matter and a better version of your answer. 1 grading is free, and 2 more after you add your e-mail.
Questions
Is TEF Canada or TCF Canada writing easier?
There is no answer that fits everyone. The two writing tests ask for different things, so the easier one depends on whether you write better short and varied texts or a longer argued letter.
Does IRCC accept both TEF Canada and TCF Canada?
Yes. IRCC accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada as proof of French language ability for Express Entry.
Are the scores of the two tests the same?
No. Each test has its own scale. To compare them, use the IRCC language test equivalency table, which converts each to NCLC.
Does Plumepass prepare for TEF Canada?
No. Plumepass trains the writing part of the TCF Canada only.